*Opinion Editorial*
It has been stated by numerous scouts and commentators that the 2019 QB class is fairly weak. Through the Combine though they will have the opportunity to help raise their stock. And by extension, the value of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5th overall draft spot.
How They Can Help
QB’s like Klyer Murray, Dwayne Haskins, and even Will Grier can significantly raise their respective stock value with a good showing at the NFL Combine.
A great example of this was WR John Ross who broke Chris Johnson 40-yard dash record of 4.24 seconds. At the 2017 Combine, he set a new record of 4.22 seconds. Instantly the internet reacted, and the publicity significantly raised his stock. So much so he was drafted 9th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals.
You can watch Ross’ record setting 40-yard dash HERE. (Video Credit: Don Mega)
Any one of these QB prospects has the opportunity to do a “John Ross” type feat through the remainder of the Combine. If they do, it will by extension raise the stock price of the Bucs 5th overall spot. As it will be coveted even more by QB needy teams wanting the 5th spot.
Best Possible Trade Team Partner’s
There are five teams that could be looking to draft the QB of their future. Fortunately for the Bucs, none of them reside in the top four. There are two teams who could, Cardinals & Raiders, but in such a weak draft class they are better off with the starters they have.
Washington Redskins
They are currently sitting at number 15 overall. And after the season ending injury to Alex Smith, they aren’t too sure what they have in him going forward. This team has been struck with mediocrity in recent years and needs a franchise QB to help change their fortunes.
At minimum, if the Bucs swap 1st rounders, and gain their 2nd (46th overall), a 2020 2nd rounder, and 3rd (76th overall), they will improve their draft value by 71%.
Miami Dolphins
It is likely that the Dolphins walk away from Ryan Tannehill. After 7 up and down seasons, he is due to make $26.6M next season. Something Miami surely wants to avoid. They currently sit at number 13 overall, but will need to move up into the top 5 to secure their future quarterback.
Similarly, if they swap first rounders, gain Miami’s 2nd (48th overall), their 3rd (78th overall), and 2020 3rd round pick, they would improve their draft value by 55%.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Blake Bortles experiment has been a failed one at the end of the day. So much so that even when they made an appearance in the AFC Championship game. They made it there despite poor play from their QB all season. They will also likely be looking to find their next face of the franchise in 2019, and need to leapfrog the Giants at number 6 to secure their top choice.
It would be wise for the Bucs to take advantage of the Jaguars needs to move ahead of the Giants. If they swap first rounders, gain Jacksonville’s 2nd (38th overall), 3rd (69th overall), and 2020 2nd and 3rd round picks, they would improve their draft value by 132%.
These trade scenarios are always tough to estimate due to the many factors that are involved in trade negotiations. In most of these scenarios though the team seeking to trade up, many times, over pays dramatically by handing over a king’s ransom.
The above scenarios are what should be considered a bare minimum deal. Because as Licht insinuated during his press conference earlier this week, the number 5 pick can be sold, but at the right price.
Draft pick trade values estimated through Footballguys.com
